Point and Howl Dog Training

Point and Howl Dog Training Offering various training programs with an emphasis on relationship and communication. Learn more by visiting our website pointandhowl.com

Lemmon time!
02/15/2025

Lemmon time!

02/13/2025

For years, fluoxetine (Prozac) has been pushed as the answer to behavioral problems in dogs. Veterinary behaviorists and force-free advocates love to cite “science-backed” studies to justify long-term medication use. But here’s a big problem, most of these studies are flawed, biased, and rely almost entirely on owner-reported data.
Take, for example, the 2009 study on fluoxetine for compulsive disorders in dogs (Irimajiri et al., J Am Vet Med Assoc). It claimed fluoxetine helped, yet the only improvement came from owners’ OPINIONS, not actual behavioral measurements. When researchers looked at objective data the dogs’ actual behavior logs they found NO SIGNIFICANT difference between the medicated and placebo groups. But guess which result gets cited?🤫
How about the 2007 study on fluoxetine for separation anxiety (Simpson et al., Veterinary Therapeutics). The conclusion? Fluoxetine was effective … but only when paired with a structured behavior modification plan. And yet, thousands of dogs are medicated without any meaningful training, as if a pill can replace actual learning.
Sad reality is that Dogs are being drugged, not rehabilitated.
Ask any serious trainer what happens when they get a dog that’s been on fluoxetine for years. They take the dog off the meds, implement a sound training plan, and SHOCKINGLY the dog improves.
Not because fluoxetine “worked,” but because the dog finally got what it needed: clarity and proper training.
Yet, the AVSAB keeps pushing these medications while dismissing legitimate training as “aversive” or “outdated.” They’d rather chemically suppress behavior than actually address it.
The real question isn’t whether fluoxetine has some effect but why so many dogs improve when you REMOVE the drug and train them properly?!!!
Behavioral change comes from learning, not sedation. It’s time to stop pretending otherwise.
I know I am not the only one noticing that dogs on fluoxetine don’t get better - they just get dull.
The dog isn’t learning or adapting, just becoming more passive.
This can actuallY DELAY proper rehabilitation, because the dog’s emotions and responses are chemically suppressed rather than modified through learning.
Thinking about making a solo podcast to talk about the dog I have in training right now, one of the many that end up euthanized after YEARS of being on SSRI’s and the pandemic of prescribing psychotropics like flea medication

A big bunch of the goodest dogs!
01/18/2025

A big bunch of the goodest dogs!

Nova at UKC Conformation show hosted by Southwest Kennel Club
12/29/2024

Nova at UKC Conformation show hosted by Southwest Kennel Club

Nova and Reign, exploring University of Arizona campus
12/20/2024

Nova and Reign, exploring University of Arizona campus

Exploring historical sites downtown Tucson. Beautiful day, beautiful company!
12/20/2024

Exploring historical sites downtown Tucson. Beautiful day, beautiful company!

Field tripping Friday for the kids
12/13/2024

Field tripping Friday for the kids

This brand new team absolutely killed the UKC Show this Saturday. First time in the ring, and they walked away with Rese...
11/24/2024

This brand new team absolutely killed the UKC Show this Saturday. First time in the ring, and they walked away with Reserve Best in Show. So proud of Nichole and Nova, and honored to be a part of their journey!

Raising puppies is my forte and truly the most favorite process. It is always a privilege to have repeat clients trust m...
11/24/2024

Raising puppies is my forte and truly the most favorite process. It is always a privilege to have repeat clients trust me with their newest littles. Lately, I’ve had the joy of working with quite a few Dachshunds — I absolutely enjoy how clever and courageous these dogs are. Besides, look at that face!

When a Dachshund joins my student roster, common concerns often include separation anxiety, reactivity, and handling challenges like growling or biting during grooming. That’s why we’re getting ahead of the game with this sweet pup, focusing on essentials like crate training, relaxation, handling, grooming desensitization, and basics of obedience training.

Her parents are absolute rockstars. Her older brother already completed a program with us, and is going to lead the way. This little one is in great hands!

Awesome crew at the hike today! Thanks everyone for coming and practicing with us.
11/18/2024

Awesome crew at the hike today! Thanks everyone for coming and practicing with us.

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Thornydale
Oro Valley, AZ
85742

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

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